Ashley Callingbull Miss Universe Canada 2024

Ashley Callingbull: The Reigning 2024 Miss Universe Canada

Ashley Callingbull is a trailblazing Canadian beauty pageant titleholder, actress, model, and motivational speaker. Born on October 21, 1989, in Enoch Cree Nation near Edmonton, Alberta, she has made history as the first Indigenous woman to win the titles of Mrs. Universe in 2015 and Miss Universe Canada in 2024. Ashley’s journey in pageantry began at a young age, and she has since become a powerful advocate for Indigenous rights and women’s empowerment. Her inspiring story of resilience and triumph has made her a sought-after speaker at prestigious events like Harvard University and TED Talks.

In 2010-2011, already involved in quite a bit but before taking off like a rocket, Ashley Callingbull and I, Jamie Watling, had been in contact about her coming out to book a photoshoot with me and as she says in the video, our schedules were not meshing as she was also super busy getting going with even more of her aspirations but on very short notice, we finally found the time in between her flights one day so she locked down some time to swing by. The shooting portion was very fast as we already had very little time so her being so great with posing and following direction I would give, we nailed a ton of shots fast. With all her beauty and still so down to earth is wonderful to know. We became friends fast and talk every so often to see how each other is doing. Here are a few nice shots from the day. I have another cute commercial style dress set, maybe I will edit a few sometime soon.

While going through hard drives recently, I came across this sweet little video testimonial she made me after that shoot, so I decided to toss it up 🙂 Since working together, Ashley has done many amazing things through her drive, goal setting for herself and the missions she has chosen to spearhead for the betterment of others.

Ashley Callingbull: A Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Early Days in Pageants

Ashley Callingbull, born on October 21, 1989, in Enoch Cree Nation near Edmonton, Alberta, began her journey in pageantry at a young age. By the age of 10, she had won all of Enoch’s princess crowns in her community. Her early success in pageants set the stage for a remarkable career that would see her break barriers and inspire many.

Pageant Success and Accolades

Ashley first entered the Miss Universe Canada pageant in 2013, where she was a finalist. Her persistence paid off when she was crowned Mrs. Universe in 2015, becoming the first Canadian and First Nations woman to win the title. In 2024, she achieved another milestone by winning Miss Universe Canada and representing her country at Miss Universe 2024, where she made it to the top 12.

Her accolades extend beyond pageantry. Ashley has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Top 20 Under 30 Award, Canada’s Top 10 Power Women, and the Youth First Nations Award from Indspire. She was also inducted into the Circle of Honour at the Esquao Awards and received the Role Model Award from the United Nations on Global Dignity Day.

Motivational Speaking and Advocacy

Ashley Callingbull’s journey into motivational speaking began as a way to share her story and inspire others. She has delivered keynote addresses at prestigious events such as Harvard University, TED Talks, and WE Day. Her speeches often focus on resilience, overcoming adversity, and the importance of cultural pride.

Ashley has shared in interviews that her difficult childhood, marked by poverty and mistreatment, fueled her desire to help others. She credits her First Nations culture and the support of her grandparents for helping her heal and find her voice. Her advocacy work includes raising awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and urging First Nations communities to engage in political processes.

Other Notable Achievements

In addition to her pageant and speaking successes, Ashley has made significant strides in the entertainment industry. She has appeared in TV shows such as “Blackstone” and “Tribal” and was featured in the 2022 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue as the first Indigenous First Nations woman. She also serves as an in-game host for the Canadian Football League, National Lacrosse League, and National Hockey League.

Ashley Callingbull’s journey is a testament to her resilience, determination, and commitment to making a difference. Her story continues to inspire many, proving that with perseverance and a strong sense of identity, one can overcome any obstacle.